Julian Fallas
Tortuga Lodge Manager
Born in San Jose and raised in San Marcos de Tarrazu, in highlands of the Talamanca Mountain Range, doorway to the newly formed Quetzales National Park and home to some of the finest coffee in the world.
Julian is the second to last child in a family with 12 children. He grew up working on his parents coffee farm with his brothers and sisters. As with many families in rural Costa Rican areas, he didn't go to High School because he was needed to work on the farm. Later he would go on to get his degree.
At the age of 21 Julian went to Wilkes -Barre, Pennsylvania and worked the assembly line of a factory making medical and computer equipment. He was one of four Costa Ricans working the line at that time. When he arrived in Wilkes -Barre, he didn't speak English, but he was determined to learn. Four years later, Julian spoke fluent English and was the department manager. There were now 18 Costa Ricans working at the factory.
After returning to Costa Rica and getting certified in ESL, Julian began working for Costa Rica Expeditions as a Transfer Guide. One season later, we saw his potential and offered him a position at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens where he has been manager since 2006.
What Julian enjoys most about working at the lodge is interacting with guests. “I admire them for traveling to a foreign country to learn about nature and our culture; I enjoy being part of that learning experience”, he says.
When he's not at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Julian enjoys reading books about life and most importantly spending time with his three sons, Julian, Emiliano, and Angel.
His message to people considering a visit to Tortuga Lodge & Gardens:
“Tortuguero is a magical place, getting here is an adventure in itself. You are surrounded by rivers, the Tropical Rainforest and wildlife. If your dream is to be surrounded by nature, visit Tortuga Lodge & Gardens”.
Silvia Rankin
Assistant Manager
Silvia has a special place in her heart for Tortuga Lodge because her parents worked and fell in love while working at the Lodge many years ago.
The Rankin family was one of the first families that settled in the village of Tortuguero. Her grandfather Captain Dorham was from the island of San Andres in Columbia and was a trader buying and selling good between Tortuguero and Nicaragua. Captain Dorham was the first person to be hired by Dr. Archie Carr from the Caribbean Conservation Corportation to track turtles on the beach; he formed an integral part of the quest to save the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle.
Silvia's grandmother, Miss Tomasa, was born in Bluefields, Nicaragua and moved to Tortuguero as a young woman. She was the town midwife and brought Silvia to the world safely at 7 months.
Her mother Miss Dora worked in the kitchen of Tortuga Lodge and her father Roberto, worked during his vacation time as a fishing Captain.
Two generations after the arrival of Captain Dorham and Miss Tomasa to Tortuguero, Silvia came to work at the lodge in 2009. She brought 9 years of experience in the industry. She is delighted to be working at Tortuga Lodge because of the close family atmosphere.
Her message to people considering a visit to Tortuga Lodge & Gardens:
“When you visit Tortuguero I invite you to visit my village and get to know our people, experience our waterways and Tortuguero National Park”.
Sheila Lee Tucker
Receptionist
Born in Limon on September 09, 1989, the first thing you will notice about Sheila is her huge friendly smile.
Sheila was raised by her mother in Limon, where she went to High School. After graduating, she taught remedial classes to grade school and high school students in all subjects. She used her income to pay for vocational classes at an institute for ongoing education.
Sheila then moved to Tortuguero to spend time with her father. She began working at a souvenir shop to supplement her income while she renewed ties with her Dad, aunts, and cousins in Tortuguero. When she heard that there was an opening at Tortuga Lodge she says she applied and crossed her fingers.
What Sheila likes the most is the opportunity to talk to guests from all over the world. “By learning from guests, I feel like I take a trip to a different country every day,” she says.
When not working at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Sheila loves to read about history and to spend time at the beach meditating about life”.
Her message to people considering a visit to Tortuga Lodge & Gardens:
“Tortuga Lodge & Gardens is a lovely place to unwind and decompress, our staff is waiting for you with open arms”.
Juan Molina Guadamuz
Receptionist
Juan was born in Limon and raised in Parismina a town, known for Sport fishing just 37 KM or 23 miles south of Tortuguero.
When he turned 18 he moved to Tortuguero and began his career in the hotel industry. At his very young age, he comes to us with 9 years of experience tending bar, working in the dining room and in reception.
When his sister, Shirley who also works at Tortuga Lodge, told him there was an opening he jumped at the chance.“I feel very proud to be working at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens” he says, “It's been a big boost for my self confidence.”
What Juan enjoys the most about working for the lodge is that it gives him the opportunity to pursue two of his great passions, his love of guest service and his love of nature and wildlife; “I learn so much about the environment from our guests and the Naturalist Guides”. Also, there is never a dull moment at the lodge and I relish being kept on my toes.
When not working at the lodge, Juan loves to fish in the river and when possible in the ocean. He also spends time polishing up on his birds. One of his favorites is the Red-Capped Manakin, but he recently saw the Fork-Tailed Fly Catcher for the first time and is still in awe of this bird.
His message to people considering a visit to Tortuga Lodge & Gardens:
“Don't miss the opportunity to experience Caribbean hospitality, read a book in a hammock just a few meters from a tropical rain storm or sit on the beach and feel the ocean breeze on your face.”
